Then there are write in votes... Any of these could be included in the gratifying list. "Abilty" has secondary votes.

>>> Ability – Glasses – Waders -Tippet - Hook <<<

Oh yeah, "Glasses", It's very gratifying to see the knot I'm tying or the wind knot I'm trying to untie.

The Hook, h dot verseman suggested, is definitely important for size and quality. However, tying your own fly with a good hook that catches fish must be extremely gratifying. Perhaps this is the reason it is first on the most voted for list.

I find it interesting that the littlest and least expensive piece of gear, the imitation fly, is the whole reason for the rest of the gear. The right fly with a good hook is at the top of the list with the most votes and the last mentioned. Possibly the most important and the most gratifying piece of gear. Is it the Alpha and Omega in fly fishing????

I agree with you Scott. I like anything that is finely machined and well designed. A fine reel or a fine shotgun, you can't beat them. So in response to the new Question, the reel is the most gratifying to me.